UPDATE: Bible Bill Scrapped

UPDATE: Bible Bill Scrapped

The author of a bill that would make the Holy Bible the official state book of Louisiana will not be pursued.

UPDATE April 21, 2014 -- A Shreveport lawmaker is scrapping his proposal to name the Bible as Louisiana's official state book.

Republican Rep. Thomas Carmody told the House on Monday that he wouldn't pursue the measure. He said lawmakers had told him they were worried the bill was becoming a distraction from more important debates, like on the state budget.

Carmody had said he sponsored the proposal after a constituent made the request. He insisted the bill wasn't designed to be a state-endorsement of Christianity or a specific religion.

But lawmakers said it raises questions about whether Louisiana would be violating the separation of church and state. Opponents said it could land the Legislature in a costly lawsuit.

April 15, 2014: Today House lawmakers will vote on a bill that would make the Holy Bible the official state book of Louisiana.

Baton Rouge -- The House Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs has voted to make the Holy Bible the official book of Louisiana.